- get a journal and a pen, pencil, computer, or whatever tool you prefer to use when writing
- write the date and time for each entry (this reveals your prayer patterns)
- you will receive a daily scripture and prayer focus;you may choose to copy them into your journal and respond with your thoughts, feelings, questions that first come to your mind.
(I have found that our first thoughts are our most powerful, and they are filled with revelation. Don't worry about spelling, correct sentences, scratching out. You are not in school and God will not be giving you a grade ;)
- after your daily response, write down your personal prayers, requests, questions, feelings, struggles, and whatever else you think you need to write down. Be honest with your prayer journal, it is your prayer partner.
- Write in any style you feel comfortable with, letters, lists, poems, or whatever. Don't correct your entries; most of what we write down from our first mind is usually a transparent look at what is really in our hearts.
- Next, record any revelations, dreams, observations, messages, or any way God speaks to you or answers prayers even if they are answers to prayers that you prayed before starting the challenge. Consider even the smallest things that God shows you because sometimes He does tiny things that we don't realize are answers to our prayers or bits of encouragement until we receive our answers. You may include parts of conversations that relate to your prayers, prayer life, answers, or things that seem spiritually relevant.
Human Factors
Let's face it, life happens. If you miss a day, don't panic and I would not recommend trying to catch up because 1st God knows your heart and 2nd prayer is often "in the moment", what you need or what speaks to your situation comes to your life at an appointed time. But remember this is my suggestion, if you feel led to make-up any entries go right on ahead. I just don't want any one to get discouraged or feel bogged down. Let the Holy Spirit lead and guide you. You may just start back up from the day that you are back in tune or on track. Whatever God and you decide, this is not a judgmental challenge. If you find that you are having trouble, please email, text, or comment on the blog so that we can lift you up in prayer and others may be going through the same thing. Know that this prayer journal challenge is like any form of relationship and worship, the enemy will not sit down and wait on the sidelines until you finish your assignment. He will try to distract you, deter you, deny you, accuse you, attack you, and offend you. Ignore him and feel free to include these experiences in your journal, not to acknowledge his presence but to bring it before God in prayer.
If you have a victory that you would like to publicly share, you may email, text, or post to the blog. We want to hear about your praise reports and thank God along with you. Even if you don't want to be specific, please acknowledge that God has done the miraculous because this will encourage others who may still be in waiting for answers or guidance and this will bless us. If others seem to be getting all the answers to their prayers, and yours seem prolonged please, don't give up! God is a God of seasons and timings. He knows when to bless you and when to grow you. Bless God as others get blessed and He will count it as seed sown and you will reap the harvest if you don't faint.
He Who Endures
I would like to have lunch or dinner with all of the members of the challenge at the end. It would be a good way to fellowship and discuss how the 30 day prayer journal challenge changed our lives, perspectives, or whatever. Even if you don't start on time, miss a few entries, or don't make it to the end, you are still invited. We will decide on a date and time closer to the end. Please come and meet an awesome group of believers and touch hearts and share your story. I believe God brings people together for a reason, even if you are one of our long-distance members and are unable to meet, we will share our fellowship online (more to come on this later).
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